News

New Legislation Helps Older People with Hearing Loss in Washington State

November 16, 2023 — Everyone knows someone with diminished hearing. Among the AgeWise population, data varies but typically indicates that at age 65, approximately a third of people have hearing loss, and that number rises to half of people over age 75. Hearing loss treatment and accommodations are very important for this group. Over the last few years, the... Read More

Taking Charge of Diabetes Today and Tomorrow

November 15, 2023 — I have diabetes and many people I know also have diabetes. Some have lived with this chronic condition for years, while others were recently diagnosed. Regardless of how long someone has lived with diabetes, I know from experience that focusing on taking care of oneself can be exhausting. It helps to know that information and... Read More

Hospice Care and its Benefits

November 14, 2023 — November is National Hospice Awareness Month—an opportunity to learn more about this often misunderstood but important service and support. The recent announcement by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s family that he’s entered hospice care has helped familiarize many of us with hospice care and a better understanding of the benefits that hospice can offer. Understanding... Read More

Washington: #2 in the Nation for Long-Term Care Services and Supports

November 13, 2023 — Washington state ranks #2 in the nation for services that help older adults age in place, according to the latest Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard report from AARP. While Washington remains a national leader, major gaps persist, even here, especially related to our need for more qualified workers to help deliver home care, a too-high turnover... Read More

Technology and Family Caregiving: Challenges and Opportunities

November 12, 2023 — Technology is a crucial component in most aspects of our lives, including caregiving. Whether it’s virtual doctor appointments, medical alert systems, or thermostats in our homes, there are a growing number of devices and web-based services and options to wade through. At the core of caregiving is ensuring the health and well-being of our loved... Read More

Support Available for Veterans and their Caregivers

November 10, 2023 — Veterans Day—originally known as Armistice Day—was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. It was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans, both living and deceased. We recognize those who have given so much for... Read More

Caring for Caregivers Who Deal with Dementia

November 9, 2023 — First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s caregiver quote includes just about everyone, right? Last month, the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) for Caregivers celebrated 36 years of promoting the health, strength, and resilience of family caregivers. They acknowledged that 53 million Americans serve as caregivers to older adults, individuals who are ill, and those who live with disabilities.... Read More

A Dementia Caregiver Creates the Solution She Wishes She’d Had

November 8, 2023 — My sweet husband, Evan, was 47 years old when he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Our kids were 12 and 15. I could write volumes describing what life was like at that time, but I will instead sum it up here in just three words: chaos, uncertainty, tears. Lots of tears. I quickly came to... Read More

Honoring and Supporting Family Caregivers

November 2, 2023 — November is National Family Caregiver Support Month. We are grateful to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and members of the Seattle City Council for proclaiming November 2023 as Family Caregiver Month in Seattle. Click on the image below to open the document. You’ll find a lot of information about caregiving and caregiver support, including support for... Read More

Civic Coffee Recap: Digital Equity for Older Adults

October 18, 2023 — On Friday, August 18, 2023, Age Friendly Seattle hosted its monthly Civic Coffee in collaboration with the South Park Senior Center. Panelists Jon Morrison Winters, the Digital Equity Program and Broadband Manager for the City of Seattle, and Johnathan Feuerstein a Digital Equity Coordinator at Sound Generations discussed the importance of digital equity for all... Read More